Deposition of organic films

ABSTRACT

Processes are provided herein for deposition of organic films. Organic films can be deposited, including selective deposition on one surface of a substrate relative to a second surface of the substrate. For example, polymer films may be selectively deposited on a first metallic surface relative to a second dielectric surface. Selectivity, as measured by relative thicknesses on the different layers, of above about 50% or even about 90% is achieved. The selectively deposited organic film may be subjected to an etch process to render the process completely selective. Processes are also provided for particular organic film materials, independent of selectivity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/170,769, filed Jun. 1, 2016, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,373,820, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The present application is also related to U.S. application Ser. No. 15/070,594, filed Mar. 15, 2016, entitled “VAPOR PHASE DEPOSITION OF ORGANIC FILMS,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,343,186, and to U.S. application Ser. No. 14/879,962, filed Oct. 9, 2015, entitled “VAPOR PHASE DEPOSITION OF ORGANIC FILMS,” issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,695,794, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to deposition of organic thin films, including selective deposition on a first surface of a substrate relative to a second surface. Processes are also provided for particular organic film materials, independent of selectivity.

Description of the Related Art

Organic thin films have valuable optical, thermal, electrical and mechanical properties and are widely used in the electronics, medical engineering, defense, pharmaceutical, and micro- and nanotechnology industries. Polymers in the microelectronics and photonics industries include, among other examples, photon- or electron-curable/degradable polymers for lithographic patterning; and polyimides for packaging, interlayer dielectrics and flexible circuit boards. Norrman et al., Annu. Rep. Prog. Chem., Sect. C, 2005, 101, 174-201.

Polymer thin films can be used, for example, as a starting point in semiconductor applications for amorphous carbon films or layers. Polyimide films are valuable for their thermal stability and resistance to mechanical stress and chemicals. For example, polyimide films can also be used as antireflection layers to improve pattern definition and reduce misalignment in lithography steps, as layers in multiple patterning (e.g., SDDP, SDQP), as insulating materials for interlayer dielectric materials, as the gate dielectric in all-organic thin film transistors, as passivation films in packaging applications, etc. Similarly, polyamide and other organic films are valuable for their electrical properties and material properties for numerous applications. Polyamide films may be used, for example, as insulating materials for interlayer dielectric materials in integrated circuit fabrication, and the photosensitivity of polyamide through ultraviolet (UV) curing allows patterning without separate photoresist.

Polymer thin films have traditionally been fabricated through spin-coating techniques. The spin-coating method forms highly functional polymer films by coating a rotating disc with a liquid material and sintering the liquid. However, tailoring of spin-applied films is limited for several reasons. For instance, formation of uniform thin films on a substrate is difficult to control, in part because of the viscosity of the starting liquid, and it can be difficult to fill the gaps of very small features (e.g., trenches or gaps between metal lines) without void generation after curing. Also, spin-coating over high topography relative to the desired thickness of the layer can result in discontinuous and non-conformal deposition. As semiconductor chip sizes continue to shrink, thinner and higher-strength films with more tunable morphology are required.

Recently, vapor phase deposition processes such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD), vapor deposition polymerization (VDP), molecular layer deposition (MLD), and sequential deposition processes such as atomic layer deposition (ALD) and cyclical CVD have been applied to the formation of polymer thin films. In CVD, a film is deposited when reactants react on a substrate surface. Gases of one or more reactants are delivered to one or more substrates in a reaction chamber. In thermal CVD, reactant gases react with one another on a hot substrate to form thin films, with the growth rate typically influenced by the temperature and the amount of reactant supplied. In plasma enhanced CVD, one or more reactants can be activated in a remote plasma generator or in situ. CVD can be performed cyclically with intervening pauses or film treatments. In ALD, deposition is also conducted by cyclical exposure of substrates to reactants, where films are built up through self-saturating reactions between the substrate surface and vapor reactants performed in cycles. The substrate or wafer is exposed to vapor phase reactants, alternatingly and repeatedly, to form a thin film of material on the substrate. In a typical process, one reactant adsorbs in a self-limiting process on the substrate. A different, subsequently pulsed reactant reacts with the adsorbed species of the first reactant to form no more than a single molecular layer of the desired material. Thicker films are produced through repeated growth cycles until the target thickness is achieved. Plasma enhanced variants of ALD, and hybrid ALD/CVD processes (e.g., with some overlap of the substrate exposure to reactant supplies) are also known.

In many applications, polymer films are formed and subsequently patterned over a substrate. A need exists for more efficient and reliable techniques for depositing polymer films.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some aspect, processes for selectively depositing an organic film on a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface are provided. In some embodiments the process may comprise one or more deposition cycles comprising contacting the substrate with a first vapor phase precursor, and contacting the substrate with a second vapor phase precursor, wherein contacting the substrate with the first and second vapor phase precursors forms the organic thin film selectively on the first surface relative to the second surface. In some embodiments processes may further comprise repeating the contacting steps until an organic thin film of a desired thickness has been formed. In some embodiments the first surface may be a metallic surface. In some embodiments the second surface may be a dielectric surface. In some embodiments the organic film may comprise a polyimide film. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second vapor phase precursor before the substrate is contacted with the first vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor may comprise a diamine. In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with the first vapor phase precursor comprising a diamine before it is contacted with another, different precursor.

In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor comprises 1,6-diamnohexane (DAH). In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises a dianyhydride. In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). In some embodiments the substrate is held at a temperature of greater than about 170° C. during the one or more deposition cycles. In some embodiments the organic film comprises a polyamide film. In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor comprises a halogen. In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor comprises adipoyl chloride (AC). In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises a diamine. In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises a ethylene diamine. In some embodiments the substrate is held at a temperature of greater than about 80° C. during the one or more deposition cycles. In some embodiments the organic film is deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface with a selectivity of above about 10%. In some embodiments the organic film is deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface with a selectivity of above about 50%. In some embodiments the organic film is deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface with a selectivity of above about 80%. In some embodiments the first surface comprises a metal oxide, elemental metal, or metallic surface. In some embodiments the first surface comprises tungsten. In some embodiments the second surface comprises silicon. In some embodiments the second surface comprises SiO₂. In some embodiments the process is an atomic layer deposition (ALD) type process.

In some embodiments the process may further comprise subjecting the substrate to an etch process, wherein the etch process removes substantially all of any deposited organic film from the second surface of the substrate and does not remove substantially all of the deposited organic film from the first surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the etch process comprises exposing the substrate to hydrogen atoms, hydrogen radicals, hydrogen plasma, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the etch process comprises exposing the substrate to oxygen atoms, oxygen radicals, oxygen plasma, or combinations thereof.

In some aspects processes for selectively depositing an organic film on a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface are provided. In some embodiments the processes may comprise one or more deposition cycles comprising alternately and sequentially contacting the substrate with a first vapor phase precursor and a second vapor phase precursor, wherein the organic film is selectively formed on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the first surface is a metallic surface. In some embodiments the second surface is a dielectric surface. In some embodiments the organic film is deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface with a selectivity of above about 50%.

In some aspects processes for depositing a polyamide film on a substrate are provided. In some embodiments the processes may comprise one or more deposition cycles comprising contacting the substrate with a first vapor phase precursor comprising 5 or fewer carbon atoms, contacting the substrate with a second vapor phase precursor comprising 3 or fewer carbons, and wherein contacting the substrate with the first and second vapor phase precursors forms a polyamide film of a desired thickness. In some embodiments the process is a vapor deposition process. In some embodiments the process is a molecular layer deposition (MLD) process. In some embodiments the substrate comprises a first surface and a second, different surface. In some embodiments the polyamide film is formed selectively on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor comprises chlorine or dicarboxylic acid. In some embodiments the first vapor phase precursor comprises adipoyl chloride (AC). In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises an amine. In some embodiments the second vapor phase precursor comprises ethylene diamine (EDA).

In some aspects processes are provided for selectively forming an organic thin film on a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface. In some embodiments the processes may comprise depositing an organic thin film on the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate, and exposing the deposited organic thin film to an etchant, wherein exposing the deposited organic thin film to an etchant removes substantially all of the deposited organic thin film from the second surface of the substrate and does not remove substantially all of the deposited organic thin film from the first surface of the substrate. In some embodiments depositing an organic film on the first surface of the substrate and the second surface of the substrate comprises selectively depositing the organic thin film on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram generally illustrating processes for selectively depositing an organic film.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram generally illustrating atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes for selectively depositing an organic film.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram generally illustrating processes for selectively depositing an organic film on a first metallic surface of a substrate relative to a second dielectric surface.

FIG. 4 is a series of cross-sectional scanning transmission electron micrographs showing the thicknesses of selectively deposited polyimide films.

FIG. 5A is a cross-section scanning electron micrograph of a polyamide film deposited on a crystalline silicon substrate having a 1.5 nm native oxide surface.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional scanning electron micrograph of a polyamide film selectively deposited on the W surfaces of a substrate relative to the oxide surfaces of the same substrate.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional scanning transmission electron micrograph of a polyamide thin film selectively deposited on a W surface of a substrate relative to a silicon oxide surface of the same substrate.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional scanning transmission electron micrograph of a polyamide thin film selectively deposited on a W surface of a substrate relative to a silicon oxide surface of the same substrate after being subjected to an etching process.

FIG. 6C is a magnified view of the polyamide thin film on the W surface and the adjacent silicon oxide surface of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7A is a plot showing growth rate (Å/cycle) as a function of ethylenediamine (EDA) precursor contacting time (seconds) for polyamide sample films deposited according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7B is a plot showing growth rate (Å/cycle) as a function of adipoyl chloride (AC) precursor contacting time (seconds) for polyamide sample films deposited according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7C is a plot showing growth rate (Å/cycle) as a function of precursor removal time (seconds) for polyamide sample films deposited according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7D is a plot showing growth rate (Å/cycle) as a function of deposition temperature for polyamide sample films deposited according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8A shows an ellipsometer thickness map for a polyamide film deposited at 71° C. according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8B shows an ellipsometer thickness map for a polyamide film deposited at 50° C. according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, selective deposition can be used to deposit an organic material on a first surface relative to a second surface. The two surfaces can have different material properties. In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first conductive (e.g., metal or metallic) surface of a substrate relative to a second dielectric surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the second surface comprises —OH groups, such as a silicon oxide-based surface. In some embodiments the second surface may additionally comprise —H terminations, such as an HF dipped Si or HF dipped Ge surface. In such embodiments, the surface of interest will be considered to comprise both the —H terminations and the material beneath the —H terminations. In some embodiments an organic material such as a polyamide or polyimide is selectively deposited on a first dielectric surface of a substrate relative to a second, different dielectric surface. In some such embodiments, the dielectrics have different compositions (e.g., silicon, silicon nitride, carbon, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, germanium oxide). In other such embodiments, the dielectrics can have the same basic composition (e.g., silicon oxide-based layers) but different material properties due to the manner of formation (e.g., thermal oxides, native oxides, deposited oxides). In some embodiments vapor deposition methods are used. In some embodiments cyclical vapor deposition is used, for example, cyclical CVD or atomic layer deposition (ALD) processes are used. After selective deposition of the organic material is completed, further processing can be carried out to form the desired structures. Advantageously, selectivity can be achieved without passivation/blocking agents on the surface to receive less of the organic layer; and/or without catalytic agents on the surface to receive more of the organic layer.

For embodiments in which one surface comprises a metal whereas the other surface does not, unless otherwise indicated, if a surface is referred to as a metal surface herein, it may be a metal surface or a metallic surface. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may comprise metal, metal oxides, and/or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may comprise surface oxidation. In some embodiments the metal or metallic material of the metal or metallic surface is electrically conductive with or without surface oxidation. In some embodiments metal or a metallic surface comprises one or more transition metals. In some embodiments a metal or metallic surface comprises aluminum. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface comprises one or more of Al, Cu, Co, Ni, W, Nb, Fe. In some embodiments a metallic surface comprises titanium nitride. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface comprises one or more noble metals, such as Ru. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface comprises a conductive metal oxide, nitride, carbide, boride, or combination thereof. For example, the metal or metallic surface may comprise one or more of RuO_(x), NbC_(x), NbB_(x), NiO_(x), CoO_(x), NbO_(x), WNC_(x), TaN, or TiN.

In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may comprise Zn, Fe, Mn, or Mo. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may be any surface that can accept or coordinate with the first or second precursor utilized in a selective deposition process as described herein.

In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a metal oxide surface relative to other surfaces. A metal oxide surface may be, for example a WO_(x), HfO_(x), TiO_(x), AlO_(x) or ZrO_(x) surface. In some embodiments a metal oxide surface is an oxidized surface of a metallic material. In some embodiments a metal oxide surface is created by oxidizing at least the surface of a metallic material using oxygen compound, such as compounds comprising O₃, H₂O, H₂O₂, O₂, oxygen atoms, plasma or radicals or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments a metal oxide surface is a native oxide formed on a metallic material.

In some embodiments the first surface may comprise a passivated metal surface, for example a passivated Cu surface. That is, in some embodiments the first surface may comprise a metal surface comprising a passivation layer, for example an organic passivation layer such as a benzotriazole (BTA) layer.

In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first dielectric surface relative to a second SiO₂ surface. In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first dielectric surface relative to a second Si or Ge surface, for example an HF-dipped Si or HF-dipped Ge surface.

In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first metal or metallic surface of a substrate relative to a second dielectric surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the organic material that is selectively deposited is a polyamide, polyimide, or other polymeric material. The term dielectric is used in the description herein for the sake of simplicity in distinguishing from the other surface, namely the metal or metallic surface. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that not all non-conducting surfaces are dielectric surfaces. For example, the metal or metallic surface may comprise an oxidized metal surface that is electrically non-conducting or has a very high resistivity. Selective deposition processes taught herein can deposit on such non-conductive metallic surfaces with minimal deposition on adjacent dielectric surfaces.

In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first metal oxide surface of a substrate relative to a second SiO₂ surface. In some embodiment the first metal oxide surface may be, for example a WO_(x), HfO_(x), TiO_(x), AlO_(x) or ZrO_(x) surface. In some embodiments the organic material is deposited on a first dielectric surface relative to a second SiO₂ surface. In some embodiments the second SiO₂ surface may be, for example, a native oxide, a thermal oxide or a chemical oxide. In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first metal oxide surface relative to a second Si or Ge surface, for example an HF-dipped Si or HF-dipped Ge surface.

In some embodiments a substrate is provided comprising a first metal or metallic surface and a second dielectric surface. In some embodiments a substrate is provided that comprises a first metal oxide surface. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise —OH groups. In some embodiments the second surface may be a SiO₂ based surface. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise Si—O bonds. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise a SiO₂ based low-k material. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise more than about 30%, preferably more than about 50% of SiO₂. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise GeO₂. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise Ge—O bonds. In some embodiments an organic material is selectively deposited on a first metal or metallic surface relative to a second Si or Ge surface, for example an HF-dipped Si or HF-dipped Ge surface.

In certain embodiments the first surface may comprise a silicon dioxide surface and the second dielectric surface may comprise a second, different silicon dioxide surface. For example, in some embodiments the first surface may comprise a naturally or chemically grown silicon dioxide surface. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise a thermally grown silicon dioxide surface. In other embodiments, the first or the second surface may be replaced with a deposited silicon oxide layer. Therefore, in some embodiments organic material may be selectively deposited on a first silicon dioxide surface of a substrate relative to a second silicon dioxide surface that was formed by a different technique and therefore has different material properties.

In some embodiments the substrate may be pretreated or cleaned prior to or at the beginning of the selective deposition process. In some embodiments the substrate may be subjected to a plasma cleaning process at prior to or at the beginning of the selective deposition process. In some embodiments a plasma cleaning process may not include ion bombardment, or may include relatively small amounts of ion bombardment. For example, in some embodiments the substrate surface may be exposed to plasma, radicals, excited species, and/or atomic species prior to or at the beginning of the selective deposition process. In some embodiments the substrate surface may be exposed to hydrogen plasma, radicals, or atomic species prior to or at the beginning of the selective deposition process. In some embodiments a pretreatment or cleaning process may be carried out in the same reaction chamber as a selective deposition process, however in some embodiments a pretreatment or cleaning process may be carried out in a separate reaction chamber.

The term “about” is employed herein to mean within standard measurement accuracy.

Selective deposition using the methods described herein can advantageously be achieved without treatment of the second dielectric surface to block deposition thereon and/or without treatment of the first surface (whether metallic or a different dielectric surface) to catalyze deposition. As a result, in some embodiments the second dielectric surface does not comprise a passivation or blocking layer, such as a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), which would prevent the actual top surface of the second dielectric surface from being exposed to the chemicals of the deposition processes described herein. Thus, in some embodiments selectivity is achieved despite the lack of blocking or catalyzing agents, and both first and second surfaces are directly exposed to the deposition reactants.

Vapor phase deposition techniques can be applied to organic films and polymers such as polyimide films, polyamide films, polyurea films, polyurethane films, polythiophene films, and more. CVD of polymer films can produce greater thickness control, mechanical flexibility, conformal coverage, and biocompatibility as compared to the application of liquid precursor. Sequential deposition processing of polymers can produce high growth rates in small research scale reactors. Similar to CVD, sequential deposition processes can produce greater thickness control, mechanical flexibility, and conformality. The terms “sequential deposition” and “cyclical deposition” are employed herein to apply to processes in which the substrate is alternately or sequentially exposed to different precursors, regardless of whether the reaction mechanisms resemble ALD, CVD, MLD or hybrids thereof.

In some embodiments the processes described herein may be batch processes, that is, the processes may be carried out on two or more substrates at the same time. In some embodiments the processes described herein may be carried out on two or more, five or more, 10 or more, 25 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more substrates at the same time. In some embodiments the substrate may comprise wafers, for example, semiconductor or silicon wafers. In some embodiments the substrates may have diameters of 100 mm or more, 200 mm or more, or 300 mm or more. In some instances substrates having diameters of 450 mm or more may be desirable.

Selectivity

Selectivity can be given as a percentage calculated by [(deposition on first surface)−(deposition on second surface)]/(deposition on the first surface). Deposition can be measured in any of a variety of ways. In some embodiments deposition may be given as the measured thickness of the deposited material. In some embodiments deposition may be given as the measured amount of material deposited.

In some embodiments selectivity is greater than about 10%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 75%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 93%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 98%, greater than about 99% or even greater than about 99.5%. In embodiments described herein, the selectivity can change over the duration or thickness of a deposition. Surprisingly, selectivity has been found to increase with the duration of the deposition for the vapor phase polymer film depositions described herein. In contrast, typical selective deposition based on differential nucleation on different surfaces tends to become less selective with greater duration or thickness of a deposition.

In some embodiments deposition only occurs on the first surface and does not occur on the second surface. In some embodiments deposition on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate is at least about 80% selective, which may be selective enough for some particular applications. In some embodiments the deposition on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate is at least about 50% selective, which may be selective enough for some particular applications. In some embodiments the deposition on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate is at least about 10% selective, which may be selective enough for some particular applications.

In some embodiments the organic film deposited on the first surface of the substrate may have a thickness less than about 50 nm, less than about 20 nm, less than about 10 nm, less than about 5 nm, less than about 3 nm, less than about 2 nm, or less than about 1 nm, while a ratio of material deposited on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate may be greater than or equal to about 2:1, greater than or equal to about 20:1, greater than or equal to about 15:1, greater than or equal to about 10:1, greater than or equal to about 5:1, greater than or equal to about 3:1, or greater than or equal to about 2:1.

In some embodiments the selectivity of the selective deposition processes described herein may depend on the materials which comprise the first and/or second surface of the substrate. For example, in some embodiments where the first surface comprises a BTA passivated Cu surface and the second surface comprises a natural or chemical silicon dioxide surface the selectivity may be greater than about 8:1 or greater than about 15:1. In some embodiments where the first surface comprises a metal or metal oxide and the second surface comprises a natural or chemical silicon dioxide surface the selectivity may be greater than about 5:1 or greater than about 10:1. In some embodiments where the first surface comprises a chemical or natural silicon dioxide surface and the second surface comprises a thermal silicon dioxide surface the selectivity may be greater than about 5:1 or greater than about 10:1. In some embodiments where the first surface comprises natural or chemical silicon dioxide, and the second surface comprises Si—H terminations, for example an HF dipped Si surface, the selectivity may be greater than about 5:1 or greater than about 10:1. In some embodiments where the first surface comprises Si—H terminations, for example an HF dipped Si surface, and the second surface comprises thermal silicon dioxide, the selectivity may be greater than about 5:1 or greater than about 10:1.

Selective Deposition

Deposition processes taught herein can achieve high growth rate and throughput, and can produce high quality organic thin films.

In some embodiments, a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided. The first and second surfaces may have different material properties. In some embodiments the first surface may be a metallic surface and the second surface may be a dielectric surface. In some embodiments a first organic reactant is vaporized to form a first reactant vapor. The reactant being vaporized may be liquid or solid under standard temperature and pressure conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). In some embodiments, the reactant being vaporized comprises an organic precursor, such as an amine, for example a diamine, such as 1,6-diamnohexane (DAH), or another organic precursor, such as a dianhydride, for example pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). The substrate is then exposed to the first reactant vapor and an organic film deposited. The method can include additional steps, and may be repeated, but need not be performed in the illustrated sequence nor the same sequence in each repetition if repeated, and can be readily extended to more complex vapor deposition techniques.

In some embodiments, the organic film comprises a polymer. In some embodiments, the polymer deposited is a polyimide. In some embodiments, the polymer deposited is a polyamide. Other examples of deposited polymers include dimers, trimers, polyurethanes, polythioureas, polyesters, polyimines, other polymeric forms or mixtures of the above materials.

The techniques taught herein can be applied to vapor deposition techniques, including CVD, VPD, ALD, and MLD in a wide variety of reactor configurations.

Referring to FIG. 1 and in some embodiments, a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided at block 11. The first and second surfaces may have different material properties. In some embodiments the first surface may be a conductive surface, for example a metal or metallic surface, and the second surface may be a dielectric surface. In some embodiments the first surface may be a dielectric surface and the second surface may be a second, different dielectric surface. In some embodiments the first and second surfaces may have the same basic composition, but may have different material properties due to different manners of formation (e.g., thermal oxide, deposited oxide, native oxide).

In some embodiments the first precursor may be vaporized at a first temperature to form the first vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the first precursor vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the second transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a first vapor phase precursor, or reactant, at block 12 for a first exposure period. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the first vapor phase precursor at a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

In some embodiments the first precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a second vapor phase precursor, or reactant, at block 13 for a second exposure period. In some embodiments the second precursor may be vaporized at a fourth temperature to form the second vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the second reactant vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the fifth transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second vapor phase precursor at a sixth temperature that is higher than the fourth temperature. In some embodiments the sixth temperature may be substantially the same as the third temperature at which the first vapor phase precursor contacts the substrate.

In some embodiments the second precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In block 14 an organic film is selectively deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface. The skilled artisan will appreciate that selective deposition of an organic film is the result of the above-described contacting actions, 12-13, rather than a separate action. In some embodiments, the above-described contacting actions, blocks 12-13, may be considered a deposition cycle. In some embodiments a deposition cycle may repeated until an organic film of a desired thickness is selectively deposited. Such a selective deposition cycle can be repeated until a film of sufficient thickness is left on the substrate (block 15) and the deposition is ended (block 16). The selective deposition cycle can include additional acts, need not be in the same sequence nor identically performed in each repetition, and can be readily extended to more complex vapor deposition techniques. For example, a selective deposition cycle can include additional reactant supply processes, such as the supply and removal (relative to the substrate) of additional reactants in each cycle or in selected cycles. Though not shown, the process may additionally comprise treating the deposited film to form a polymer (for example, UV treatment, annealing, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 2 and in some embodiments, a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface is provided at block 21. The first and second surfaces may have different material properties. In some embodiments the first surface may be a conductive surface, for example a metal or metallic surface, and the second surface may be a dielectric surface. In some embodiments the first surface may be a dielectric surface and the second surface may be a second, different dielectric surface. In some embodiments the first and second surfaces may have the same basic composition, but may have different material properties due to different manners of formation (e.g., thermal oxide, deposited oxide, native oxide).

In some embodiments a sequential deposition method for selective vapor deposition of an organic film comprises vaporizing a first organic precursor is at a first temperature to form a first precursor vapor at block 22. In some embodiments the first precursor vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the second transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with the vapor phase first precursor for a first exposure period at block 23. In some embodiments, the first precursor, or species thereof, chemically adsorbs on the substrate in a self-saturating or self-limiting fashion. The gas line can be any conduit that transports the first precursor vapor from the source to the substrate. In some embodiments, the substrate may be exposed to the first precursor vapor at a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

In some embodiments the first precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

Excess of the first precursor vapor (and any volatile reaction by-products) may then be removed from contact with the substrate at block 24. Such removal can be accomplished by, for example, purging, pump down, moving the substrate away from a chamber or zone in which it is exposed to the first reactant, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments a first precursor removal period, for example a purge period, is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum removal period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, removal periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In some embodiments the second precursor may be vaporized at a fourth temperature to form the second vapor phase precursor at block 25. In some embodiments the second reactant vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the fifth transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second vapor phase precursor at a sixth temperature that is higher than the fourth temperature. In some embodiments the sixth temperature may be substantially the same as the third temperature at which the first vapor phase precursor contacts the substrate. In some embodiments the substrate may exposed to a second precursor vapor for a second exposure period at block 26. In some embodiments, the second reactant may react with the adsorbed species of the first reactant on the substrate.

In some embodiments the first precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In some embodiments excess of the second precursor vapor (and any volatile reaction by-product) is removed from contact with the substrate at block 27, such that the first reactant vapor and the second reactant vapor do not mix. In some embodiments the vapor deposition process of the organic film does not employ plasma and/or radicals, and can be considered a thermal vapor deposition process. In some embodiments a second precursor removal period, for example a purge period, is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum removal period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, removal periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In block 28 an organic film is selectively deposited on the first surface relative to the second surface. The skilled artisan will appreciate that selective deposition of an organic film is the result of the above-described contacting actions rather than a separate action. In some embodiments, the above-described contacting and removing (and/or halting supply) actions, blocks 23-27, may be considered a deposition cycle. In some embodiments a deposition cycle may repeated until an organic film of a desired thickness is selectively deposited. Such a selective deposition cycle can be repeated (block 29) until a film of sufficient thickness is left on the substrate and the deposition is ended (block 30). The selective deposition cycle can include additional acts, need not be in the same sequence nor identically performed in each repetition, and can be readily extended to more complex vapor deposition techniques. For example, a selective deposition cycle can include additional reactant supply processes, such as the supply and removal of additional reactants in each cycle or in selected cycles. Though not shown, the process may additionally comprise treating the deposited film to form a polymer (for example, UV treatment, annealing, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 3, and in some embodiments, a substrate comprising a first metal or metallic surface and a second dielectric surface is provided at block 31. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may comprise metal, metal oxides, and/or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments the metal or metallic surface may comprise surface oxidation. In some embodiments the metal or metallic material of the metal or metallic surface is electrically conductive with or without surface oxidation. In some embodiments the first surface may comprise a passivated metal surface, for example a passivated Cu surface.

In some embodiments the second dielectric surface may comprise silicon oxide. The term dielectric is used herein for the sake of simplicity in distinguishing from the other surface, namely the metal or metallic surface. Unless indicated otherwise with respect to particular embodiments, the term dielectric in the context of this application can be understood to cover all surfaces which are electrically non-conducting or have very high resistivity. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise —OH groups. In some embodiments the second surface may be a SiO₂ based surface. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise Si—O bonds. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise a SiO₂ based low-k material. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise more than about 30%, preferably more than about 50% of SiO₂. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise GeO₂. In some embodiments the second surface may comprise Ge—O or Ge—OH bonds.

In some embodiments the first precursor may be vaporized at a first temperature to form the first vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the first precursor vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the second transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a first vapor phase precursor, or reactant, at block 32 for a first exposure period. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the first vapor phase precursor at a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

In some embodiments the first precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a second vapor phase precursor, or reactant, at block 33 for a second exposure period. In some embodiments the second precursor may be vaporized at a fourth temperature to form the second vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the second reactant vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the fifth transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second vapor phase precursor at a sixth temperature that is higher than the fourth temperature. In some embodiments the sixth temperature may be substantially the same as the third temperature at which the first vapor phase precursor contacts the substrate.

In some embodiments the second precursor exposure period is from about 0.01 seconds to about 60 seconds, about 0.05 seconds to about 30 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 5 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances. In some embodiments where batch reactors may be used, exposure periods of greater than 60 seconds may be employed.

In block 34 an organic film is selectively deposited on the first metallic surface relative to the second dielectric surface. The skilled artisan will appreciate that selective deposition of an organic film is the result of the above-described contacting actions rather than a separate action. In some embodiments, the above-described contacting actions, blocks 32-33, may be considered a deposition cycle. In some embodiments a deposition cycle may repeated until an organic film of a desired thickness is selectively deposited on the first metallic surface of the substrate relative to the second dielectric surface. Such a selective deposition cycle can be repeated until a film of sufficient thickness is left on the first metallic surface of the substrate (block 35) and the deposition is ended (block 36). The selective deposition cycle can include additional acts, need not be in the same sequence nor identically performed in each repetition, and can be readily extended to more complex vapor deposition techniques. For example, a selective deposition cycle can include additional reactant supply processes, such as the supply and removal of additional reactants in each cycle or in selected cycles. Though not shown, the process may additionally comprise treating the deposited film to form a polymer (for example, UV treatment, annealing, etc.).

Various reactants can be used for the above described processes. For example, in some embodiments, the first precursor or reactant is an organic reactant such as a diamine, e.g., 1,6-diamnohexane (DAH), or any other monomer with two reactive groups.

In some embodiments, the second reactant or precursor is also an organic reactant capable of reacting with adsorbed species of the first reactant under the deposition conditions. For example, the second reactant can be an anhydride, such as furan-2,5-dione (maleic acid anhydride), or more particularly a dianhydride, e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), or any other monomer with two reactive groups which will react with the first reactant.

In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with the first precursor prior to being contacted with the second precursor. Thus, in some embodiments the substrate is contacted with an amine, such as a diamine, for example 1,6-diamnohexane (DAH) prior to being contacted with another precursor. However, in some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second precursor prior to being contacted with the first precursor. Thus, in some embodiments the substrate is contacted with an anhydride, such as furan-2,5-dione (maleic acid anhydride), or more particularly a dianhydride, e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) prior to being contacted with another precursor.

Although the above described processes begin with contacting the substrate with the first vapor phase precursor, in other embodiments a process may begin with contacting the substrate with the second vapor phase precursor. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that contacted the substrate with the first precursor and second precursor are interchangeable in the processes described herein.

In some embodiments, different reactants can be used to tune the film properties. For example, a polyimide film could be deposited using 4,4′-oxydianiline or 1,4-diaminobenzene instead of 1,6-diaminohexane to get a more rigid structure with more aromaticity and increased dry etch resistance.

In some embodiments the reactants do not contain metal atoms. In some embodiments the reactants do not contain semimetal atoms. In some embodiments one of the reactants comprises metal or semimetal atoms. In some embodiments the reactants contain carbon and hydrogen and one or more of the following elements: N, O, S, P or a halide, such as Cl or F. In some embodiments the first reactant may comprise, for example, adipoyl chloride (AC).

Deposition conditions can differ depending upon the selected reactants and can be optimized upon selection. In some embodiments the reaction temperature can be selected from the range of about 80° C. to about 250° C. In some embodiments, for example where the selectively deposited organic film comprises polyimide, the reaction temperature can be selected from the range of about 170° C. to about 210° C. In some embodiments, for example where the selectively deposited organic film comprises polyamide, the reaction temperature can be selected from a range of about 80° C. to about 150° C. In some embodiments where the selectively deposited organic film comprises polyimide the reaction temperature may be greater than about 160° C., 180° C., 190° C., 200° C., or 210° C. In some embodiments where the selectively deposited organic film comprises polyamide the reaction temperature may be greater than about 80° C., 90° C., 100° C., 110° C., 120° C., 130° C., 140° C., or 150° C.

In some embodiments the reaction chamber pressure may be from about 1 mTorr to about 1000 Torr.

For example, for sequential deposition of polyimide using PMDA and DAH in a single wafer deposition tool, substrate temperatures can be selected from the range of about 150° C. to about 250° C., or from about 170° C. to about 210° C., and pressures can be selected from the range of about 1 mTorr to about 760 Torr, more particularly between about 100 mTorr to about 100 Torr.

In some embodiments the selectively deposited or formed organic film does not contain metal atoms. In some embodiments the selectively deposited or formed organic film does not contain semimetal atoms. In some embodiments the selectively deposited or formed organic film contains metal or semimetal atoms. In some embodiments the selectively deposited or formed organic film contains carbon and hydrogen and one or more of the following elements: N, O, S, or P.

Examples of suitable reactors that may be used in the selective deposition processes described herein include commercially available ALD equipment such as the F-120® reactor, Pulsar® reactor, such as a Pulsar 3000® or Pulsar 2000®, and Advance® 400 Series reactor, available from ASM America, Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz. and ASM Europe B.V., Almere, Netherlands. In addition to these ALD reactors, many other kinds of reactors capable growth of organic thin films, including CVD reactors, VDP reactors, and MLD reactors can be employed.

In some embodiments a suitable reactor may be a batch reactor and may contain two or more substrates. In some embodiments the substrate may comprise, for example, wafers. In some embodiments a suitable reactor may be a batch reactor that may contain two or more, five or more, 10 or more, 25 or more, 50 or more, or 100 or more substrates. In some embodiments the substrate may comprise wafers, for example, semiconductor or silicon wafers. In some embodiments the substrates may have diameters of 100 mm or more, 200 mm or more, or 300 mm or more. In some instances substrates having diameters of 450 mm or more may be desirable.

In some embodiments the first surface (e.g., metallic surface) of a substrate onto which an organic film is to be selectively deposited may comprise a structure on a semiconductor substrate or integrated circuit workpiece. In some embodiments the first surface of the substrate may comprise one or more metal lines or dots. For example, the first surface of the substrate may comprise a W or Cu line while the second surface may comprise a silicon oxide-based material. That is, in some embodiments the substrate may comprise at least a first portion of the first metallic surface and a second portion of the first metallic surface, wherein the first and second portions of the first metallic surface are separated on the substrate by the second dielectric surface.

In some embodiments, the selectivity of the selective deposition processes described herein may change based on the dimensions or pitch of the portions of the first surface onto which the organic film is selectively deposited. In some embodiments the selectivity of the selective deposition processes described herein may increase as the pitch of the features comprising first surface increases. Increased pitch is used herein as conventional in the semiconductor industry to mean greater number of features in a given dimension, or greater density and closer spacing between features.

In some embodiments a selective deposition process can achieve a desired selectivity on a substrate wherein the periodicity of features comprising the first surface is less than about 1 micron, preferably less than about 500 nm, preferably less than about 250 nm, and most preferably less than about 100 nm. In some embodiments the periodicity of features comprising the first surface is less than 40 nm, or even less than 20 nm. As used herein, periodicity refers to the distance between the two nearest repeated structures, materials, or surfaces on a substrate. In some embodiments the selectivity of a selective deposition process may depend on the distance between a first portion of the substrate comprising a first surface and a second portion of the substrate comprising a first surface, such as the aforementioned periodicity for repeating patterns on a substrate. In some embodiments the selectivity of the selective deposition processes described herein may increase as the distance between the portions of the first material decreases.

In some embodiments a selective deposition process can achieve a desired selectivity on a substrate comprising a first portion of the first surface separated by a distance from a second portion of the first surface. In some embodiments the desired selectivity may be achieved when the distance between the first and second portions of the first surface is less than about 1 micron, preferably less than about 500 nm, preferably less than about 250 nm, and most preferably less than about 100 nm.

In some embodiments the selectivity of a selective deposition process may be related to the number of growth, or deposition cycles performed in the selective deposition process. In some embodiments the selectivity for a selective deposition process may increase with the number of deposition cycles. For example, the selectivity of a selective deposition process comprising 250 of deposition cycles may be less than the selectivity of a selective deposition process comprising 1000 deposition cycles where the conditions for the deposition cycles in each process are substantially the same. This is surprising, given that typical selective vapor deposition processes tend to lose selectivity with greater thickness or deposition duration.

In some embodiments an increase in the number of deposition cycles in a selective deposition process may result in a corresponding increase in the selectivity of the process. For example, in some embodiments doubling the number of deposition cycles may result in selective deposition process which is twice as selective, as will be understood from the example of FIG. 4.

Although generally a deposition or reaction temperature for the selective deposition processes described herein is greater than or equal to the vaporization temperatures of the first and second reactants, in some other embodiments the reaction temperature may be lower than one or both of the reactant vaporization temperatures.

Precursors

Various reactants can be used to deposit polyamide or polyimide films according to the processes described herein. For example, in some embodiments the first precursor or reactant is an amine, for example a diamine. In some embodiments the first reactant can be, for example, 1,6-diamnohexane (DAH). In some embodiments the substrate the substrate is contacted with the first precursor before it is contacted with the second precursor. Thus, in some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with an amine, such as a diamine, before it is contacted with a second precursor.

In some embodiments, the second reactant or precursor is also an organic reactant capable of reacting with adsorbed species of the first reactant under the deposition conditions. For example, in some embodiments, the second precursor or reactant is an organic reactant such as an anhydride, such as furan-2,5-dione (maleic acid anhydride). The anhydride can be a dianhydride, e.g., pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA). In some embodiments the second reactant can be any other monomer with two reactive groups which will react with the first reactant.

In some embodiments the reactants do not contain metal atoms. In some embodiments the reactants do not contain semimetal atoms. In some embodiments one of the reactants comprises metal or semimetal atoms. In some embodiments the reactants contain carbon and hydrogen and one or more of the following elements: N, O, S, P or a halide, such as Cl or F. In some embodiments the first reactant may comprise, for example, adipoyl chloride (AC).

In some embodiments reactants for use in the selective deposition processes described herein may have the general formula: R¹(NH₂)₂  (1)

Wherein R¹ may be an aliphatic carbon chain comprising 1-5 carbon atoms, 2-5 carbon atoms, 2-4 carbon atoms, 5 or fewer carbon atoms, 4 or fewer carbon atoms, 3 or fewer carbon atoms, or 2 carbon atoms. In some embodiments the bonds between carbon atoms in the reactant or precursor may be single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, or some combination thereof. Thus, in some embodiments a reactant may comprise two amino groups. In some embodiments the amino groups of a reactant may occupy one or both terminal positions on an aliphatic carbon chain. However, in some embodiments the amino groups of a reactant may not occupy either terminal position on an aliphatic carbon chain. In some embodiments a reactant may comprise a diamine. In some embodiments a reactant may comprise an organic precursor selected from the group of 1,2-diaminoethane (1), 1,3-diaminopropane (1), 1,4-diaminobutane (1), 1,5-diaminopentane (1), 1,2-diaminopropane (1), 2,3-butanediamine, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (1).

In some embodiments reactants for use in the selective deposition processes described herein may have the general formula: R²(COCl)₂  (2)

Wherein R² may be an aliphatic carbon chain comprising 1-3 carbon atoms, 2-3 carbon atoms, or 3 or fewer carbon atoms. In some embodiments the bonds between carbon atoms in the reactant or precursor may be single bonds, double bonds, triple bonds, or some combination thereof. In some embodiments a reactant may comprise a chloride. In some embodiments a reactant may comprise a diacyl chloride. In some embodiments a reactant may comprise an organic precursor selected from the group of oxalyl chloride (I), malonyl chloride, and fumaryl chloride.

In some embodiments, a reactant comprises an organic precursor selected from the group of 1,4-diisocyanatobutane or 1,4-diisocyanatobenzene. In some embodiments a reactant comprises an organic precursor selected from the group of terephthaloyl dichloride, alkyldioyl dichlorides, such as hexanedioyl dichloride, octanedioyl dichloride, nonanedioyl dichloride, decanedioyl dichloride, or terephthaloyl dichloride. In some embodiments, a reactant comprises an organic precursor selected from the group of 1,4-diisothiocyanatobenzene or terephthalaldehyde. In some embodiments, a reactant being vaporized can be also a diamine, such as 1,4-diaminobenzene, decane-1,10-diamine, 4-nitrobenzene-1,3-diamine, 4,4′-oxydianiline, or ethylene diamine. In some embodiments, a reactant can be a terephthalic acid bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ester. In some embodiments a reactant can be a carboxylic acid, for example alkyl-, alkenyl-, alkadienyl-dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acid, such as ethanedioic acid, propanedioic acid, butanedioic acid, pentanedioic acid or propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid. In some embodiments, a reactant can be an aromatic carboxylic or dicarboxylic acid, such as benzoic acid, benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid or benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid. In some embodiments, a reactant may comprise one or more OH-groups bonded to a hydrocarbon. In some embodiments, a reactant can be selected from the group of diols, triols, aminophenols such as 4-aminophenol, benzene-1,4-diol or benzene-1,3,5-triol. In some embodiments, a reactant can be 8-quinolinol. In some embodiments, the reactant can comprise alkenylchlorosilanes, like alkenyltrichlorosilanes, such as 7-octenyltrichlorosilane.

In some embodiments a reactant may have a vapor pressure greater than about 0.5 Torr, 0.1 Torr, 0.2 Torr, 0.5 Torr, 1 Torr or greater at a temperature of about 20° C. or room temperature. In some embodiments a reactant may have a boiling point less than about 400° C., less than 300° C., less than about 250° C., less than about 200° C., less than about 175° C., less than about 150° C., or less than about 100° C.

Polyamide Deposition

In some embodiments deposition processes taught herein may comprise deposition of a polyamide thin film. In some embodiments such a deposition process may comprise a vapor deposition process. In some embodiments such a deposition process may comprise a molecular layer deposition (MLD) process. In some embodiments such deposition processes may be a selective deposition process. However, in some embodiments such a deposition processes may be a nonselective deposition process. In some embodiments a first organic reactant is vaporized to form a first precursor vapor. The reactant being vaporized may be liquid or solid under standard temperature and pressure conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). In some embodiments, the first reactant being vaporized comprises an organic precursor, such as an organochloride, for example adipoyl chloride (AC). In some embodiments a reactant may comprise an organic precursor selected from the group of oxalyl chloride (I), malonyl chloride, and fumaryl chloride.

In some embodiments the first precursor may be vaporized at a first temperature to form the first vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the first precursor vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the second transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a first vapor phase precursor, or reactant, for a first exposure period. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the first vapor phase precursor at a third temperature that is higher than the first temperature.

In some embodiments the first precursor exposure period is from about 0.05 seconds to about 5.0 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 3 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 1.0 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances.

In some embodiments a second organic reactant is vaporized to form a second precursor vapor. The reactant being vaporized may be liquid or solid under standard temperature and pressure conditions (room temperature and atmospheric pressure). In some embodiments, the reactant being vaporized comprises an organic precursor, such as an organic amine, for example ethylene diamine (EDA). In some embodiments a reactant may comprise an organic precursor selected from the group of 1,2-diaminoethane (1), 1,3-diaminopropane (1), 1,4-diaminobutane (1), 1,5-diaminopentane (1), 1,2-diaminopropane (1), 2,3-butanediamine, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (1).

In some embodiments the substrate is contacted with a second vapor phase precursor, or reactant, for a second exposure period. In some embodiments the second precursor may be vaporized at a fourth temperature to form the second vapor phase precursor. In some embodiments the second reactant vapor is transported to the substrate through a gas line at a second temperature. In some embodiments the fifth transportation temperature is higher than the first vaporization temperature. In some embodiments the substrate may be contacted with the second vapor phase precursor at a sixth temperature that is higher than the fourth temperature. In some embodiments the sixth temperature may be substantially the same as the third temperature at which the first vapor phase precursor contacts the substrate.

In some embodiments the second precursor exposure period is from about 0.05 seconds to about 5.0 seconds, about 0.1 seconds to about 3 seconds or about 0.2 seconds to about 1.0 seconds. The optimum exposure period can be readily determined by the skilled artisan based on the particular circumstances.

In some embodiments a polyamide film of a desired thickness is deposited on a substrate. The skilled artisan will appreciate that deposition of a polyamide film is the result of the above-described contacting actions, rather than a separate action. In some embodiments, the above-described contacting actions may be considered a deposition cycle. In some embodiments a deposition cycle may repeated until an organic film of a desired thickness is selectively deposited. Such a deposition cycle can be repeated until a film of sufficient thickness is left on the substrate and the deposition is ended. The deposition cycle can include additional acts, need not be in the same sequence nor identically performed in each repetition, and can be readily extended to more complex vapor deposition techniques. For example, a deposition cycle can include additional reactant supply processes, such as the supply and removal (relative to the substrate) of additional reactants in each cycle or in selected cycles. Though not shown, the process may additionally comprise treating the deposited film to form a polymer (for example, UV treatment, annealing, etc.).

Subsequent Processing

In some embodiments further processing may be carried out subsequent to the selective deposition process. For example, in some embodiments the substrate may be subjected to an etch process to remove at least a portion of the deposited organic film. In some embodiments an etch process subsequent to selective deposition of the organic film may remove deposited organic material from both the first surface and the second surface of the substrate. In some embodiments the etch process may be isotropic.

In some embodiments the etch process may remove the same amount, or thickness, of material from the first and second surfaces. That is, in some embodiments the etch rate of the organic material deposited on the first surface may be substantially similar to the etch rate of the organic material deposited on the second surface. Due to the selective nature of the deposition processes described herein, the amount of organic material deposited on the second surface of the substrate may be substantially less than the amount of material deposited on the first surface of the substrate. Therefore, an etch process may completely remove deposited organic material from the second surface of the substrate while deposited organic material may remain on the first surface of the substrate.

In some embodiments the etch process may comprise an etch process known in the art, for example a dry etch process such as a plasma etch process. In some embodiments the etch process may comprise exposing the substrate to hydrogen atoms, hydrogen radicals, hydrogen plasma, or combinations thereof. For example, in some embodiments the etch process may comprise exposing the substrate to a plasma generated from H₂ using a power from about 10 W to about 5000 W, from about 25 W to about 2500 W, from about 50 W to about 500 W, or preferably from about 100 W to about 400 W.

In some embodiments the etch process may comprise exposing the substrate to a plasma. In some embodiments the plasma may comprise oxygen atoms, oxygen radicals, oxygen plasma, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the plasma may comprise hydrogen atoms, hydrogen radicals, hydrogen plasma, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the plasma may also comprise noble gas species, for example Ar or He species. In some embodiments the plasma may consist essentially of noble gas species. In some instances the plasma may comprise other species, for example nitrogen atoms, nitrogen radicals, nitrogen plasma, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments the etch process may comprise exposing the substrate to an etchant comprising oxygen, for example O₃. In some embodiments the substrate may be exposed to an etchant at a temperature of between about 30° C. and about 500° C., preferably between about 100° C. and about 400° C. In some embodiments the etchant may be supplied in one continuous pulse or may be supplied in multiple shorter pulses.

A skilled artisan can readily determine the optimal exposure time, temperature, and power for removing the desired amount of deposited organic material from the substrate.

Example 1

Sample polyimide thin films were deposited on a number of substrates according to selective deposition processes described herein. 200 mm silicon wafers having tungsten (W) features alternated with silicon oxide surfaces were used as substrates. The width of the tungsten features was 250 nm with a pitch of approximately 600 nm. The polyimide deposition processes were performed in a Pulsar 3000® cross-flow ALD reactor connected with PRI cluster tool.

A first batch of sample polyimide films were deposited according to the processes described herein using DAH as a first vapor phase reactant and PMDA as a second vapor phase reactant. The DAH first reactant was supplied at 45° C. by an N₂ carrier gas having a flow rate of 450 sccm. The DAH pulse time was 5 seconds and the DAH pure time was 4 seconds. The PMDA second reactant was supplied to the reaction chamber at 180° C. by an N₂ carrier gas having a flow rate of 450 sccm. The PMDA pulse time was 11 seconds and the PMDA purge time was 4 seconds. The reaction or substrate temperature was 160° C. Polyimide films were deposited using between 25 and 100 deposition cycles.

A second batch of sample polyimide films were deposited according to the processes described herein using substantially similar conditions as the first batch, but having a reaction temperature of 190° C. Polyimide films were deposited using between 250 and 1000 deposition cycles.

The thicknesses of the polyimide film samples were measured using scanning transmission electron microscopy. The first batch of polyimide films were found to have thicknesses between 5 nm for a process having 25 deposition cycles and 40 nm for a process having 100 deposition cycles with a growth rate of about 4-6 Å/cycle. The amount of polyimide deposited on the W surfaces of the substrate was substantially the same as the amount of polyimide deposited on the silicon oxide surface. Therefore, the deposition was not selective at a reaction temperature of 160° C. for this recipe.

The second bath of polyimide films were found to have thicknesses ranging from about 7 nm for a process having 250 cycles to about 28 nm for a process having 1000 cycles on the W surfaces. Polyimide film thicknesses on the silicon oxide surfaces ranged from about 4 nm for a process having 250 cycles to about 6 nm for a process having 1000 cycles. Therefore, the polyimide deposition was selective at a reaction temperature of 190° C. The growth rate on the W surfaces was about 0.2-1 Å/cycle. FIG. 4 shows cross-sectional STEM images of polyimide films selectively deposited on W surfaces relative to SiO₂ surfaces utilizing between 250 and 1000 deposition cycles.

Example 2

A first sample polyamide film was deposited on a 200 mm silicon wafer having patterned tungsten (W) features alternated with silicon oxide surfaces. A second sample polyamide film was deposited on a crystalline silicon wafer having 1.5 nm of native oxide. The samples were deposited according to the processes described herein using adipoyl chloride (AC) as a first vapor phase reactant and ethylene diamine (EDA) as a second vapor phase reactant. The AC first reactant was vaporized at a temperature of 50° C. and supplied to the reaction chamber at a temperature of 65° C. with a line flow of 500 sccm. The AC pulse and purge times were 2.5 seconds. A pulsing pressure of about 180 Torr was used and the conduit through which the AC was supplied was fitted with a line filter. The ED second reactant was supplied at room temperature with pulse and purge times of ⅕ seconds. A pulsing pressure of about 100 Torr was used and the conduit through which the ED was supplied was not fitted with a line filter. The temperature of the substrate was 95° C. and the process included 1000 deposition cycles.

The resultant films were characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry and thickness verification was done with x-ray reflectometry. The growth rate for the polyamide film deposited on the crystalline silicon substrate with 1.5 nm of native oxide was found to be about 0.5 Å/cycle and 1σ a thickness non-uniformity was around 3% for 300 mm mapping with 3 mm edge exclusion. The film was found to have a thickness of about 9 nm, as shown in FIG. 5A.

It was found that almost no polyamide was deposited on the native oxide surface of the W patterned wafer, while polyamide material is clearly visible on the W lines, as shown in FIG. 5B. Therefore, the polyamide deposition of the W patterned wafer was found to be selective.

Example 3

A sample polyimide film was selectively deposited on a 200 mm silicon wafer having patterned tungsten (W) features alternated with silicon oxide surfaces according to the processes described herein using DAH as a first vapor phase reactant and PMDA as a second vapor phase reactant. The DAH first reactant was supplied at 45° C. by an N₂ carrier gas having a flow rate of 450 sccm. The DAH pulse time was 5 seconds and the DAH pure time was 4 seconds. The PMDA second reactant was supplied to the reaction chamber at 180° C. by an N₂ carrier gas having a flow rate of 450 sccm. The PMDA pulse time was 11 seconds and the PMDA purge time was 4 seconds. The reaction temperature was 190° C. The polyimide sample film was deposited using 1000 deposition cycles. The polyimide was deposited on the W surface, with a film thickness of about 30 nm. A substantially lesser amount of polyimide was deposited on the silicon oxide surface, about 4 nm, as shown in FIG. 6A.

The sample polyimide film was then etched with H₂ plasma generated using 100 W at a temperature of 300° C. for 40 seconds. The flow rate of the H₂ gas was 100 sccm. As shown in FIGS. 6B-C, polyimide was completely removed from the silicon oxide surface while a polyimide film having a thickness of about 9 nm was left on the W surface.

Example 4

Sample polyamide (2,6) films were deposited according to processes described herein. Adipoyl chloride (AC) and ethylene diamine (EDA) were used as reactants. The AC reactant was heated to a temperature of 50° C. and vaporized. The EDA reactant was vaporized at room temperature, with needle valves being used to control the reactant dose. Nitrogen was used as both a carrier gas for the reactants and a purge gas. Both the carrier and purge gas flow was about 500 sccm. Samples were deposited on 300 mm crystalline silicon wafers having a surface comprising about 1.5 nm native oxide. For each sample 200 deposition cycles were carried out. The thickness of the deposited films was measured using an ellipsometer.

Sample films were deposited with the EDA contacting times varied between 0 and 3 seconds at a deposition temperature of 71° C. As seen in FIG. 7A, the growth rate per cycle of the polyamide films increased with increasing EDA contacting time, reaching about 0.5 Å/cycle for an EDA contacting time of 3 seconds.

Similarly, sample films were deposited with the AC contacting times varied between 0 and 5 seconds at a deposition temperature of 71° C. As seen in FIG. 7B, the growth rate per cycle of the polyamide films increased with increasing AC contacting time, reaching a about 0.5 Å/cycle for an AC contacting time of 5 seconds

The precursor and reaction by-product removal, or purge, time was likewise varied for sample polyamide films. The removal times were varied between 2 and 10 seconds. As seen in FIG. 7C, the growth rate per cycle decreased with increasing removal time, although the effect appeared to be relatively small.

The relationship between growth rate and deposition temperature was also investigated. Sample films were prepared with deposition temperatures varying from 50° C. to 71° C. As can be seen in FIG. 7D, growth rate per cycle increased with decreasing deposition temperature, reaching a growth rate of 1.4 Å/cycle at a deposition temperature of 50° C.

FIG. 8A shows a thickness map for a sample polyamide films deposited at 71° C. FIG. 8B shows a thickness map for a sample polyamide films deposited at 50° C. The 1σ non-uniformity of the sample film deposited at 71° C. was found to be 3.0%, while the 1σ non-uniformity of the sample film deposited at 50° C. was found to be 2.6%. Further, the non-uniformity occurred primarily at the edges of the wafer, therefore the deposited sample films were found to be considerably uniform.

Although certain embodiments and examples have been discussed, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the scope of the claims extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for depositing a polyamide film on a substrate comprising a first surface and a second surface, the process comprising one or more deposition cycles comprising: contacting the first surface and the second surface of the substrate with a first vapor phase precursor comprising 5 or fewer carbon atoms; contacting the first surface and the second surface of the substrate with a second vapor phase precursor comprising 3 or fewer carbon atoms; wherein contacting the substrate with the first and second vapor phase precursors forms the polyamide film of a desired thickness selectively on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the process is a vapor deposition process.
 3. The process of claim 2, wherein the process is a molecular layer deposition (MLD) process.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein a selectivity for depositing the polyamide film selectively on the first surface of the substrate relative to the second surface of the substrate is at least 50%.
 5. The process of claim 4, wherein the the selectivity is at least 75%.
 6. The process of claim 1, further comprising subjecting the substrate to an etch process, wherein the etch process has a chemistry for removal of organic material and removes substantially all of any deposited polyamide film from the second surface of the substrate and does not remove substantially all of the deposited polyamide film from the first surface of the substrate.
 7. The process of claim 6, wherein the etch process comprises exposing the substrate to hydrogen atoms, hydrogen radicals, hydrogen plasma, or combinations thereof.
 8. The process of claim 6, wherein the etch process comprises exposing the substrate to oxygen atoms, oxygen radicals, oxygen plasma, or combinations thereof.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the second surface comprises an inorganic dielectric surface.
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the first surface comprises a metal oxide, elemental metal, or metallic surface.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the first surface comprises tungsten.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein the second surface comprises silicon.
 13. The process of claim 12, wherein the second surface comprises SiO₂.
 14. The process of claim 1, wherein the first vapor phase precursor comprises chlorine or dicarboxylic acid.
 15. The process of claim 14, wherein the first vapor phase precursor comprises an organochloride.
 16. The process of claim 1, wherein the first vapor phase precursor is selected from the group consisting of oxalyl chloride (I), malonyl chloride, and fumaryl chloride.
 17. The process of claim 1, wherein the second vapor phase precursor comprises an amine.
 18. The process of claim 17, wherein the second vapor phase precursor comprises ethylene diamine (EDA).
 19. The process of claim 17, wherein the second vapor phase precursor comprises a diamine.
 20. The process of claim 1, wherein the second vapor phase precursor is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-diaminoethane (l), 1,3-diaminopropane (l), and 1,2-diaminopropane (l).
 21. The process of claim 1, wherein the one or more cycles comprises multiple cycles of alternately and sequentially exposing the substrate to the first vapor phase precursor and the second vapor phase precursor. 